Vehicle site protection system

ABSTRACT

A vehicle protection system comprises a sensor, a transmission unit, a control unit and an alarm signalling unit. The sensor is mountable on and capable of detecting interference with a vehicle, and the transmission unit is also mountable on the vehicle and is activated in response to detection by the sensor of interference with the vehicle to transmit a signal to the control unit. The control unit is located remotely from the vehicle and is arranged to activate the alarm signalling unit in response to receipt of the signal, there being no physical connection between the control unit and the transmission unit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to vehicle protection systems.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In many instances where vehicles are left in areas to which the publichave relatively easy access, there exist the dual problems of firstlytheft of or from the vehicles, and secondly damage to the vehicles. Itis now common to use a so-called "car alarm" in certain vehicles whichmay be sensitive to an intrusion (using, for instance, an ultrasonicdetector) but these have several limitations: (1) due to the high numberof false alarms they are often ignored; (2) they are difficult toinstall and remove quickly from a variety of vehicles; (3) they do notallow for centralised control of a number of such alarms; and (4) theyare of little use in areas that are relatively sparsely populated.

There is, therefore, a clear need for an improved vehicle protectionsystem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle siteprotection system for use in protecting a plurality of parked vehicleson said site from interference, the system comprising a control unitlocated on or at the periphery of said site and arranged to activate analarm signalling means in response to receipt of a signal from one of aplurality of sensor units, each sensor unit being positioned in arespective one of the vehicles, each sensor unit comprising a sensor anda transmission means activatable to send a signal to the control unit inresponse to output from the sensor, there being no physical connectionbetween the control unit and the transmission means, characterised inthat each sensor unit is self-contained and self-powered and comprises ashock sensor and a sensor capable of detecting motion of an objectwithin the vehicle.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the drawings that follow; in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the present invention in use;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing the configuration and operationof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram also representing the operation of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a vehicle 2 on which is mounteda sensor 4, which is itself connected to a transmission means 6 alsomounted on the vehicle 2. In this case the sensor 4 and the transmissionmeans 6 are mounted within the vehicle 2. Although the vehicle 2 shownis clearly a car, the invention is applicable to other vehicles such asmotor cycles, boats, caravans, plants etc.

Also shown schematically in FIG. 1 is a control unit 8 and an alarm 10.The alarm 10 may be any device or means intended to attract attention tothe vehicle 2, examples of suitable alarms 10 will be given below.

FIG. 2 shows the preferred construction of the system in block diagramform. FIG. 3 explains the operation of the system in flow diagram formatwhich may be understood with reference to the key set out below.

    ______________________________________                                        KEY                                                                           ______________________________________                                        100-      START                                                               101-      Has the ultrasonic scanner 12 detected an                                     interference?                                                       102-      Has the piezo-crystal sensor 14 detected                                      an interference?                                                    103-      In the control unit 8 armed?                                        104-      Activate first-stage alarm.                                         105-      Activate siren 16.                                                  106-      Activate stroboscopic light source 18.                              107-      Activate vocal alarm through speakers 22.                           108-      Has another interference been detected                                        within the first pre-set time period?                               109-      Activate second-stage alarm.                                        110-      Activate auto-dialler 20.                                           111-      Activate 2kW lighting source 24.                                    ______________________________________                                    

The sensor 4 includes a detector of movement within the vehicle 2, suchas an ultrasonic scanner 12, and a shock and motion detector, such as apiezo-crystal sensor 14 which can be set to be capable of detectingscratches due to the vibrations they cause in the vehicle bodywork andis also capable of detecting other interferences with the vehicle 2 of amechanical nature. Thus, in combination, the ultrasonic scanner 12 andthe piezo-crystal sensor 14 (which together constitute the sensor 4) arebetween them capable of detecting interference with the outside of thevehicle 2 such as scratching or denting, etc; and interference with theinside of the vehicle 2 such as the movement of a person therein or themotion of glass fragments from a broken window, etc.

The sensitivity of the ultrasonic scanner 12 and/or the piezo-crystalsensor 14 can be adjusted to achieve a balance between the level ofsecurity achieved with the system and the occurrence of false alarms inthe particular circumstances involved.

If the sensor 4 detects an interference with the vehicle 2 it causes thetransmission means 6 to transmit a signal S1. The transmission means 6is in wireless communication with the control unit 8. The transmissionmeans 6 comprises a low power VHF radio frequency transmitter on anapproved frequency (currently 418 MHz), the emitted signal S1 is codedto avoid interference with neighbouring signals S and to deterillegitimate attempts to interfere with the system. The coding may befactory-set or programmable.

In their operating construction the sensor 4 and the transmission means6 are combined in a single self-contained unit; they have been describedseparately here for simplicity.

The ultrasonic scanner 12 and the piezo-crystal sensor 14 are includedwithin the unit which is powered by an integral nickel-cadmiumbattery-pack (not shown) to enable the unit to be properly portable; thebattery-pack is capable of powering the unit for between 2 and 10 days,a battery power level indicator may be included in the system. A storagerack (not shown) may be included as part of the system in to which one,or more, combined sensor/transmission units 4,6 may be deposited; thestorage rack includes a trickle-type battery recharger to re-energisethe battery-pack. The sensor/transmission units 4,6 include femalesockets which mate with powered pins on the rack. The unit may include alight-emitting diode powered by the battery-pack to act as a furthervisual deterrent.

The coded signal S1 from the transmission means is received by thecontrol unit 8 which is located remotely from the vehicle. The receiveris also of an approved type. The control unit 8 may be wall-mounted,either on the outside of a premises in a well-known burglar alarmhousing, or inside a premises; the unit may also be desk-mounted ormounted in any other convenient fashion. Portable rechargeable modelsmay be provided for domestic use. In advanced models the coded signals Sare specific to certain sensors 4 enabling the actual source of thesignal S1 to be uniquely identified. In some models different signalsmay be used to indicate whether it is the ultrasonic scanner 12 or thepiezo-crystal sensor 14 that has detected the interference. In such asystem the control unit 8 may be linked to a printer which generatesdetails of the source, the time and the date of the signal S1. All ofthe constructions are tamper-proof.

The control unit 8 also includes switching means for arming anddisarming the system. The switching means may be toggled between thearmed and disarmed states using a remote-control system utilising a 418MHz signal used with a different coding, although other well knownremote control systems may be used, for instance the infra-redremote-control systems that are well known in the field of car-alarms.When the vehicle protection system is armed this is indicated by theactivation of a light emitting diode.

The unit 8 is powered in its normal usage by a standard linkage to amains (240 volts, a.c.) power supply. However, the unit may be batterypowered for use in circumstances where a mains power supply is notavailable and, in any event, may include a 24 hour back-up battery powersupply which operates in the event of a primary power failure. Thebattery power source (not shown) is charged from the mains power supplywhen connected thereto.

On receiving the coded signal S1 from the transmission means 6, thecontrol unit 8 activates the alarm 10. The alarm 10 is a multi-stagewarning and alert system comprising a first-stage alarm that occurs fora first pre-set time period, nominally 10 seconds, and a second-stagealarm that occurs for a second pre-set time period, nominally 20minutes, if a coded signal S1 is received again within the first pre-settime period of the first-stage alarm. The unit 8 will also activate thesecond-stage alarm if another coded signal S is received from one of itsassociated sensors 4 even if that signal S is not identical to the firstcoded signal S1 received.

The multi-stage response allows for a first-stage that acts to warn offintruders who may be innocent prospective customers or members of thepublic, whilst the second-stage provides a high level of security forthe vehicles.

The first-stage alarm comprises: (i) an audio warning that is emittedthroughout the first pre-set time period from a siren 16; and (ii) theactivation of a stroboscopic light source 18, both of which may beobtained as proprietary items. The light source 18 is a 100 Watt sourcethat is not intended for general exterior illumination, but merely toact as a warning and to attract attention to the area.

The second-stage alarm comprises the continued emission of sound fromthe siren 16 and the continued activation of the stroboscopic lightsource 18 for the further second pre-set time period, and (at the startof the second pre-set time period) the activation of an auto-dialler 20to alert at least one interested party, such as the owner of the vehicle2 or the police, to the interference. Auto-diallers 20 are well knownproprietary items that will automatically dial a pre-set number (ornumbers) and deliver a pre-programmed, or pre-recorded message--theauto-dialler 18 used in the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention described herein dials up to four different telephone numbersin sequence.

The first and second-stage alarms are combined in the control unit 8 inthe preferred construction, although they have been described asseparate elements for simplicity.

The first and second-stage alarms may be improved by the addition of thefollowing add-on features described below. The basic system includesprovision for the subsequent addition of these features enabling thevehicle protection system to be targeted at a wide range ofapplications. The add-on features are shown using dashed lines in FIGS.2 and 3.

The first-stage alarm improvement comprises a vocal audio warninginstead of the siren audio warning (or alternatively the vocal audiowarning may alternate with the siren audio warning). The vocal audiowarning involves the use of a pre-recorded, or pre-programmed, messagethat can be relayed through a 30 Watt audio amplifier and thence throughtwo weather-proof speakers 22 to deliver a polite warning to theintruder of the presence of the vehicle protection system and theconsequences should their actions be continued.

The second-stage alarm improvement comprises the attachment to the unit8 of a 2 kW lighting source 24 that is capable of illuminating thevehicle 2 during the second-stage alarm time period. The lighting source24 may be turned on and off at a rate of about 80 times per minute toalert passers-by to the illuminated area and, in particular, to theintruders; it therefore acts as a powerful deterrent.

The system may be assembled in its various embodiments from materialsand components that are readily available, and the actual constructionof the system will be apparent from the above description to one skilledin the art.

It is to be noted that sensors 4 are installed in a plurality ofvehicles and all monitored by the control unit 8 (or interfaced controlunits). Furthermore, the first and second pre-set time periods may bere-set if required.

Such an arrangement has the additional advantage that the sensors 4 maybe grouped in to zones, a video camera may have a number of monitoringpositions--preferably at least one per zone. Thus if a sensor 4 detectsan interference in a zone the camera may be directed towards that zone.This arrangement reduces the need for a plurality of cameras andquickens the response time of the camera compared to a panning camera.Once again this increases the deterrent level of the system.

The vehicle protection system described above provides a high level ofsecurity whilst cutting down the number of false alarms. When the systemis used to protect vehicles displayed on a point of sale forecourt thelikelihood of a genuine prospective customer setting off a full scalealarm is minimised and thus the likelihood of a prospective customerbeing alienated by setting of an alarm is reduced.

Further examples embodying the present invention will now be described,by way of example only.

FURTHER EMBODIMENT 1

In order to provide security for guests' cars at a hotel the presentinvention may be provided for their use on a rental basis, a chargenormally being added to the guest's bill.

In this embodiment each of the sensors 4 may selectively activated fromthe control unit 8, and a substantially unique signal is emitted by therespective transmission means 6 associated with each sensor 4 if aninterference is affected. Thus, control may be maintained over the hiredsystems, for instance by ensuring that they require regular codedreactivation from the control unit 8, to minimise thefts of the systemsand difficulties with over-hiring or confusions between guests.Furthermore, a signal S1 may be uniquely correlated to a known guest forreadily apparent reasons of convenience and efficiency.

The control unit 8 may comprise a computer based control system thatstores vehicle details (including e.g car make, car model, car colour,car registration, car location, owner and owner's whereabouts).

Other applications for this embodiment, with or without the presence ofthe charging element, include airports, railway stations, ports,hospitals, educational establishments, government facilities etc.

FURTHER EMBODIMENT 2

This embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4 in which like numerals havebeen used to identify like parts. A combined sensor 4 and transmitter6--for this embodiment identified as transceiver 26--is attached to oneend of a length of security material 28, such as wire rope, chain ormetal bar(s). The transceiver 26 may be formed or placed around thesecurity material 28, or attached thereto (as shown) by a linkage 30 atleast as strong as the material 28. The other end 32 of the material 28includes a linkage member 34 that can be releasably attached to thetransceiver 26, for instance by a padlock type linkage or an internallocking latch. The preferred construction includes a locking meanswithin the transceiver 26 that engages the linkage member 34 and whichcan be opened by a key, combination and/or coded signal.

The length of security material 28, with the transceiver 26 attached,may then be threaded through, for instance, the spokes of a motor bikeor the fittings of a boat's outboard motor.

The sensor 4 within the transceiver 26 may detect, for instance, adisturbance (as above), as well as the material 28 being cut, the endsof the material 28 being withdrawn from the transceiver 26 or a movementof the article being protected. On detecting such an interference thetransmitter 6 is activated and the alarm sequence commences as set outabove.

This embodiment may also be used to protect other vehicles, e.g caravansor boat trailers by attaching the material 28 to, or around, the toehitch of the caravan or trailer. The transceiver 26 may alternatively beattached directly to the tow hitch.

This embodiment may also be used in the surveillance of perimeter gates,haulage containers, bicycles, secure areas and/or constructionequipment.

FURTHER EMBODIMENT 3

FIG. 5 illustrates a system in accordance with the invention which canbe used to monitor large numbers of vehicles, for example in a car-parkcovering a very large area, or in several spaced car-parks. Each vehicle50, of which only three are illustrated in each zone for clarity, isprovided with a combined sensor/transmitter unit 51. The sensor includesas a detector element any one or more of a wide range of movement orheat detectors, for example a Hall Effect detector, in which movement ofa magnetic element adjacent to a Hall Effect transistor produces adetectable electrical charge, a piezo-electric detector or a passiveinfra-red detector.

Detection of interference with a vehicle, for example giving rise tovibration, or the presence of detectable body heat from an intruder,sends a signal to a microprocessor controlling the operation of thesensor/transmitter unit. The signal causes a first code and a secondcode to be retrieved from a store within the unit and to be sent to thetransmitter, which broadcasts an FM signal at, for example, 418 Mhz,comprising the two codes. The first code is a permanently storedsystem-identifying code which prevents adjacent systems interfering witheach other, and the second is a user-entered unit-identifying code. Thislatter code is entered into the device via a keypad on the unit, with adisplay, for example a liquid crystal display, to show the numbersregistered. The codes may be scrambled before transmission in accordancewith a system key and unscrambled on receipt, as a further securitymeasure.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, unit 124 in zone 1 has been causedto send a signal, and this is received by Zone 1 control unit 52,suitably mounted at an elevated point within the zone, for example on apole 53. The control unit 52 in turn retrieves from its store anidentifying code which is added to the unit code, and this is thentransmitted via a 27 Mhz FM transmitter in the control unit to a centralcontrol panel 54 which could, for example, be situated at a distance ofabout 2 miles from Zone 1. The central control panel has displays 55 and56 (for example liquid crystal displays), which show the Zone number andunit number identified in the received signal after unscrambling.

By this embodiment of the system an individual vehicle being interferedwith can be immediately identified at a remote control centre, andsecurity staff despatched to investigate, for example.

Each sensor/transmitter unit may be powered by a rechargeable battery,for example a nickel-cadmium battery, so that the unit is readilytransportable from one vehicle to another. The zone control units 52 mayalso be battery powered, or may be permanently located an supplied withmains electric power.

The central control panel may also cause the sending of alarms and theinitiation of other warning signals in response to receipt of a signal.For example, the panel may incorporate an auto-dialler as hereinbeforedescribed.

I claim:
 1. A vehicle site protection system for use in protecting aplurality of parked vehicles on said site from unlawful activity, thesystem comprising a control unit located remotely from the vehicles andarranged to activate an alarm signalling means in response to receipt ofa signal from one of a plurality of free-standing wireless sensor units,each sensor unit being placed entirely within the interior of arespective one of the vehicles, each sensor unit comprising apiezocrystal motion and shock sensor, at least one of an ultrasonicscanner and an infrared detector capable of detecting motion of anobject within the vehicle, a power supply, and a transmission meanswhich is activated to send an identifying coded signal to the controlunit in response to an output from the sensor, the control unit havingreadily programmable means for storing information relating to thevehicle's location wherein a sensor unit is located, the control unitfurther having display means for displaying information relating to thevehicle's location in response to an output from the sensor unit, therebeing no physical connection between the control unit and thetransmission means, characterized in that each sensor unit isself-contained and self-powered and further characterized by each sensorunit being portable and thus readily transferable, requiring no externalor internal connections, from one vehicle to another as vehicles enterand leave the site.
 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein thetransmission means comprises a store for storing an identifying code andmeans for including said code in the transmitted signal, and the controlunit comprises means for detecting the code in the received signal andfor activating the alarm signalling means in response to detection ofthe code.
 3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the control meanscomprising a store for storing a plurality of different codes, and meansfor comparing the detected code with the stored codes and for activatingthe alarm signalling means only when the detected code matches one ofthe stored codes.
 4. A system according to claim 2, wherein thetransmission means and the control unit each comprise means for enteringan identifying code into the respective store.
 5. A system according toclaim 4, wherein each code entering means comprises a keypad.
 6. Asystem according to claim 5, wherein the code entering means alsocomprises a display means.
 7. A system according to claim 2, wherein thetransmission means comprises means for scrambling the code before itsinclusion in the transmitted signal, and the detection means in thecontrol unit comprises means for unscrambling the received signal toproduce the code.
 8. A system according to claim 2, wherein the alarmsignalling means is arranged to activate an audible alarm.
 9. A systemaccording to claim 2, wherein the alarm signalling means is arranged toactivate a visible warning device.
 10. A system according to claim 2,wherein the alarm signalling means is arranged to activate a telephonedialling and messaging device.
 11. A system according to claim 2,comprising a plurality of said control units, each arranged to receivesignals from any of a plurality of sensor units within a respectivezone, and each capable of communicating with a control alarm signallingmeans in a manner not requiring a physical connection between thecontrol unit and the control alarm signalling means.
 12. A systemaccording to claim 11, wherein each control unit is adapted to transmitan identifying signal to the central alarm signalling means comprising afirst code identifying the control unit and a second code identifyingthe sensor signalling.